By RFIPosted on 05-01-2020Modified on 05-01-2020 at 00:43
The toll of the tribal clashes last weekend in Darfur has further increased. The violence left more than 65 people dead, according to the joint United Nations and African Union mission in Darfur. 80, according to a local organization.
The violence that erupted last Sunday near Al-Geneina continued until Wednesday evening, according to several sources. At least two IDP camps and three villages have been destroyed. And more than 8,000 families have fled, according to the Sudanese Red Crescent.
At the origin of these violence, a fatal altercation between two men - one Massalit, the other Arab - which degenerated in a camp for displaced persons near Al-Geneina. Heavily armed Arab militias then attacked Massalit villages.
The situation is now calm. Khartoum has deployed the army to and around Al-Geneina, instituted a cease-fire, and promised an investigation.
The province has been the theater of conflict between Arab and non-Arab tribes for almost 20 years. But it had been years since there had been such major clashes. A deterioration of the situation which worries, because it would threaten the political transition in the country.
Negotiations for a peace agreement between Khartoum and various rebel groups, including those in Darfur, were suspended this week due to the violence.
Washington - which supports political changes in Sudan - called on the two sides to resume negotiations. And not to use this violence for political ends.
On the same subject
Sudanese authorities try to calm down Darfur
Deadly violence in Darfur: Prime Minister and Hemeti on the spot
comments